Zoning for Large Scale Solar Development Village of Potsdam §180, Article XII – Photovoltaic Siting Ordinance Frederick Hanss, Director of Planning and Development
Here’s What We’ll Cover: • The Challenge and Opportunity. • Yikes! Now What! • Evolution and Outcome. • The Ordinance’s Key Provisions. • Words to the Wise.
The Challenge and Opportunity • The Village of Potsdam’s Zoning Law was out -of-date; the 2012-2022 Comprehensive Plan called for the law to be updated. • An out-of-town developer proposed a 150 unit student rental housing project adjacent to the SUNY Potsdam campus including a “utility - scale” solar development. • The proposed solar development was adjacent to an established single family residential neighborhood and a proposed high end residential development.
YIKES! Now What! • From a zoning perspective, the Village was unprepared for this type of development. • Village planning and code enforcement staff had little if any experience with utility-scale solar projects. • Without guiding regulations, projects such as this one create uncertainty and anxiety.
Evolution and Outcome • Key principles: Protection of existing property owners, preservation of historic properties; and, the desire to promote solar energy and provide a wide range of solar energy opportunities. • Village Board adopted a six-month Moratorium on the development of utility-scale solar projects and tasked the Village Planning Board with studying the issue and drafting a photovoltaic siting ordinance.
Evolution and Outcome • Ace-in-the-Hole: The Planning Board members included a commercial electrician, a contractor and several members with a good baseline understanding of the technology. • Planning staff researched local laws, NYS’ streamlined siting law, and finally settled on a model developed by Pace University as a starting point for a local ordinance. • The Planning Board and staff worked through six draft laws before finally agreeing on a version that was referred to the Village Board of Trustees and ultimately adopted.
The Ordinance’s Key Provisions • Rooftop/building-mounted collectors are a standard use in all residential zoning districts. • Installation of rooftop/building mounted collectors requires site plan approval in all other zoning districts. • Installation of flush-mounted rooftop collectors within the Market Street National Historic Register District. • Utility-scale developments permitted in the industrial, light industrial and R-3 zoning districts subject to a special use permit and site plan review.
Words to the Wise • Be pro-active! • Include the 8 components of a sound solar ordinance covered by Mr. Pfotenhauer! • Go to: https://ecode360.com/30555060 to view the Village ordinance
Thank You • Frederick J. Hanss, Director of Planning and Development, Village of Potsdam • (315) 265-1670 • fhanss@vi.potsdam.ny.us
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